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Abbott earns distinguished OC alumni award

The Okanagan College Alumni Association will present the Shuswap MLA and education minister with its distinguished alumni award Oct. 6.

“I am surprised and very honoured,” said Abbott.

The Enderby-born Abbott attended Okanagan College in 1970/71 when the Salmon Arm campus was located in portables across from Shuswap Lake General Hospital.

He then went on to teach political science at the college for 15 years.

“There’s been a long association with Okanagan College,” said Abbott, adding that the relationship has influenced his role in local and provincial politics.

“One learns an incredible amount from teaching. I learned a lot about life and the world from Okanagan College and it’s serving me well as minister of education.”

Abbott admits the college system has experienced incredible growth since he first attended classes.

“I’m totally impressed by what Okanagan College has done as an institution,” he said.

“I am particularly pleased with the work they are doing with skills and trades and the work in aboriginal education.”

Abbott and Koyczan will be recognized at a cocktail reception event at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College.

Tickets are now available at a cost of $55 per person.

Anyone interested in attending can contact Katerina Hay at (250) 862-5630 or khay@okanagan.bc.ca.

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